Groves vs DeGale negotiations: Groves "I feel he needs me more then I need him"

Eubank was referred to as "the most hated man in Britain" by The Sun. He was a name. Watson wasn't, until his final fight.

 

I think Groves vs DeGale would sell more tickets and get a higher tv rating.

Barker has a bigger fan base than Macklin.

 

That's debatable Rob.

I'd say Macklin has a far bigger fan base because of his Irish connections.

Note how I don't say he's Irish.

 

Watson had been on Sportsnight on Beeb quite a few times. I don't know the viewing figures but it would easily have been in the millions..

 

Macklin said in an interview that he had sold 1500 tickets to the magnificent 7 show. Frank Warren said he had to returned over 1500 tickets to Barkers fans 3 weeks before the show. The show was in Macklins hometown.

When Macklin faced Wayne Elcock for the British title, in an all Birmingham affair the show barley did 2000. Barker sold that for his European title fight at 3 weeks notice and did 3000 for his British and Commonwealth title fights.

Bakrer 100% has a bigger following that Matthew Macklin who is not a big ticket seller.

 

If I remember correctly, Eubank was shown at 11 o'clock on ITV during the week, whilst Watson was on undercards and would be shown after the main event on the BBC.
Benn was already a name and was on non-boxing shows and it was their fights with him that put them on the map to Joe Public.

 

Yep, Benn the "the name" but what I'm saying is that casual fans had had enough exposure to Eubank and Watson to know who they are and to want them see them fight Benn.

Watson headlined a couple of cards on the Beeb, but even being chief support on a BBC1 boxing show got you a hell of a lot of attention.

 

We agree and disagree at the same time
I wouldn't say fighting at midnight on Sportsnight got you a lot of attention. Boxing fans like you and I obviously knew them but it was the big fights with Benn that made them. There wasn't any "we need to build it for a few years" agenda.
Chisora v Sexton at the weekend was a big fight even though they had already got it on before. I see no reason for them to avoid each other when clearly fighting just now is the best way to increase their profiles. Both guys (Groves recently) have shown they can mouth off in a way that the tabloids will enjoy and get them headlines.

 

A major reason for that is that there was generally one route to a world title shot. British or Commonwealth then European then the title shot. It was harder for domestic rivals to avoid each other if they wanted to progress. Thats not the case these days, theres four organizations, international belts etc etc.

A know Kaylor vs, Christie was just a final eliminator for the British title but even back then a lot of the "juicy" rivalries didn't come to head until the European stage. Well shy of where Groves and Degale are at the moment.

 

Now Kaylor v Christie went huge because of the pre-fight brawl and the press that got. (still remember that firecraker* in the area!:good)

Do you want them to fight just now or would you rather wait?


*apparently the correct spelling is a no-no..

 

Ideally I'd like them to fight now, certainly at British title level. Whoever lost would be young enough to come again.

I just don't think its going to happen for the reasons I've mentioned. People tend to get bent out of shape when fights don't happen exactly when they want them to happen, it can be frustrating but I prefer to TRY and be patient.


yep, cr@cker catches me out sometimes as well.

 

As long as other good fights are happening, I don't mind if this doesn't. If it never happens because one takes a loss at a level below the other, then it probably wasn't worth missing anyway.

But if they both go on to at least win a recognised world title and don't face each other, then I'd be disappointed.

 

Like Hatton/Witter you mean?

I didn't just do that did I...

 

IMO the only reason this fight isn't get made is due to the ego of both the promoters. Everything else looks good to me:good

And feel free to stop trying to being patient. You might enjoy sticking your head out the window and screaming "I'm mad as hell and I aint going to take it" anymore!"

 

Hahahaha - of course that's not what I was implying...